5 Movies Where Pink Played a Starring Role
The new Barbie movie is the latest in a long line of films that make us think pink
Pink’s popularity is on the rise in home decor — in the years since Millennial Pink’s peak, earthy organic tones have taken over. But with the rise of Barbiecore’s popularity, likely amped up by anticipation of the new Barbie movie, searches for pink in the home decor realm are on the rise. Houzz searches for “pink bed” and “pink bedroom” in the first three months of the year were up 89% and 74%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2022. We’ve also seen searches for pink kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms jump significantly this year. And searches for specific furniture and decorative elements, such as “pink chairs” and “pink wallpaper” were up as well.
While those search statistics show pink gaining traction, it certainly doesn’t mean that everyone is looking to live in Barbie’s very, very pink Malibu Dreamhouse. Pink has played a starring role in many movies over the years. These films feature a wide variety of decor and fashion styles, and their influence lives on today. Here’s a look at new designs where we can see our favorite pink-loving characters feeling right at home.
While those search statistics show pink gaining traction, it certainly doesn’t mean that everyone is looking to live in Barbie’s very, very pink Malibu Dreamhouse. Pink has played a starring role in many movies over the years. These films feature a wide variety of decor and fashion styles, and their influence lives on today. Here’s a look at new designs where we can see our favorite pink-loving characters feeling right at home.
This bathroom looks like it could be the en suite complement to the previous Barbiecore bedroom. Graphic tiles provide a big dose of pink pizzazz in a playful, dollhouse kind of way. But note the way the designers balanced the pink with lots of white. This makes the pink proportions just right rather than overwhelming.
Browse ceiling lighting in the Houzz Shop
Browse ceiling lighting in the Houzz Shop
Those who grew up playing with Barbies know that dressing her up was one of the most fun parts. This lovely walk-in closet, with its ballet pink built-ins and heels stored over the dressing table, looks like just the spot for Barbie to play dress-up.
Legally Blonde Pinks
If ever there was a movie character who admired Barbie’s style it was Elle Woods of Legally Blonde. Reese Witherspoon played the budding law student, who was studiously astute and frivolously frilly. The animal activist’s fashion and home decor selections always incorporated a wide mix of cruelty-free pink textiles, patterns and textures, such as pink pleather, pink velvet, pink faux feathers and pink faux fur. Elle’s favorite shade of pink was all the shades — ranging from the lightest baby pink to the deepest magenta.
It’s easy to see Elle tucking into this bedroom at night. The last thing she’d see before turning out the lights would be the soothing pink paint on the ceiling.
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If ever there was a movie character who admired Barbie’s style it was Elle Woods of Legally Blonde. Reese Witherspoon played the budding law student, who was studiously astute and frivolously frilly. The animal activist’s fashion and home decor selections always incorporated a wide mix of cruelty-free pink textiles, patterns and textures, such as pink pleather, pink velvet, pink faux feathers and pink faux fur. Elle’s favorite shade of pink was all the shades — ranging from the lightest baby pink to the deepest magenta.
It’s easy to see Elle tucking into this bedroom at night. The last thing she’d see before turning out the lights would be the soothing pink paint on the ceiling.
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Despite the abundance of pink in the Legally Blonde films, the production designers never quite crossed the line into cartoonish. Elle would have appreciated this chic Parisian kitchen, with its pink mirrored island base complemented by elegant marble counters and wall.
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Of course, a smartly outfitted office is what every budding lawyer needs. Anchored in a raspberry pink rug, this room is perfect for Elle. There’s a sexy desk with gold legs, a chair she can spin around in and plenty of room to display her law books. And the Greek key motif on the rug would remind her of all the fun she had in her sorority before she started studying for the LSAT.
Steel Magnolias Pinks
Who could forget Julia Roberts as Shelby Eatenton in Steel Magnolias, talking about her wedding colors, blush and bashful. This lovely bedroom looks like a tribute to Shelby. The scalloped details, the monogrammed pillow and the plates on the wall lend some Southern flair.
Who could forget Julia Roberts as Shelby Eatenton in Steel Magnolias, talking about her wedding colors, blush and bashful. This lovely bedroom looks like a tribute to Shelby. The scalloped details, the monogrammed pillow and the plates on the wall lend some Southern flair.
In the film, Shelby proudly declares “pink is my signature color.” So one could imagine this soft pink bathroom being a modern-day Shelby’s favorite spot in the house. The floral glass sconces add an extra-special touch she would have appreciated.
Down With Love Pinks
Set in 1962, Down With Love’s mod sets were a feast for the eyes. In fact, most of us probably remember those sets more clearly than we remember the plot. In the role of aspiring author and independent woman Barbara Novak, Renee Zellweger donned a carnation pink windowpane plaid skirt and matching coat, and her home decor reflected her fashion style. Her semicircular sectional pink sofa and pink Saarinen womb chairs, perfectly placed in a New York City apartment’s of-the-era conversation pit, are conversation starters to this day.
In the modern-day dining room seen here, the gentle curves of the globes, semicircles and arches would be right at home as part of a freshened-up Down With Love set. The cameo pink of the shell chairs works beautifully with the white and natural hues in the caned cabinet doors. This is a good example of mixing the organic trend with the pink trend.
Set in 1962, Down With Love’s mod sets were a feast for the eyes. In fact, most of us probably remember those sets more clearly than we remember the plot. In the role of aspiring author and independent woman Barbara Novak, Renee Zellweger donned a carnation pink windowpane plaid skirt and matching coat, and her home decor reflected her fashion style. Her semicircular sectional pink sofa and pink Saarinen womb chairs, perfectly placed in a New York City apartment’s of-the-era conversation pit, are conversation starters to this day.
In the modern-day dining room seen here, the gentle curves of the globes, semicircles and arches would be right at home as part of a freshened-up Down With Love set. The cameo pink of the shell chairs works beautifully with the white and natural hues in the caned cabinet doors. This is a good example of mixing the organic trend with the pink trend.
The popularity of all-white kitchens has waned lately, with homeowners looking to infuse their spaces with color. This kitchen, from the same home seen in the previous photo, introduces Millennial Pink on the island and pendant lights. And the globes and curved motifs again echo the Down With Love look.
Pretty in Pink Pinks
Until 1986, Scarlett O’Hara had pulled the best repurposed fashion move in film history, fashioning her drapes into a gown. But then came Andie Walsh, played by Molly Ringwald, in Pretty in Pink. Our heroine created an orchid pink dream prom dress from two vintage dresses — one polka-dot and one lace.
The lovely mix of pink tiles in this bathroom harks back to that prom dress. There’s a variety of pink shades and a mix of shapes — patterned hexagons and tumbled rectangles. It’s an updated bathroom version of Andie’s creation.
Until 1986, Scarlett O’Hara had pulled the best repurposed fashion move in film history, fashioning her drapes into a gown. But then came Andie Walsh, played by Molly Ringwald, in Pretty in Pink. Our heroine created an orchid pink dream prom dress from two vintage dresses — one polka-dot and one lace.
The lovely mix of pink tiles in this bathroom harks back to that prom dress. There’s a variety of pink shades and a mix of shapes — patterned hexagons and tumbled rectangles. It’s an updated bathroom version of Andie’s creation.
In addition to picking great pinks, Andie had a flair for repurposing vintage looks. So the sustainable nature of terrazzo in this kitchen would have appealed to her. Terrazzo has a kitschy retro vibe, and it’s a composite that includes recycled materials. The open shelves would be a great spot for Andie to display her collections of vintage bibs and bobs.
For just a dash of Barbiecore-inspired style in a room, consider using a bold pink on just one striking element. In this elegant bathroom, the raspberry pink vanity is unexpected eye candy.
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And if you like a Down With Love look but don’t want a conversation pit that calls for a semicircular sofa, you can still nod to Barbara. Try a tufted sectional with more traditional lines in baby pink.
Of course, so many movie sets and costumes have given pink a starring role that this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Please share your favorite pink movie moments as well as any favorite ways pink plays a role in your own home in the Comments.
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Browse photos of more pink decor
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More on Houzz
Browse photos of more pink decor
Hire a local design pro
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Hot pink, bubblegum pink and fuchsia create the ultimate Barbiecore palette. And the generous use of those shades makes this room one of the most Barbie-esque spaces on Houzz.
The hues adorn the bedroom’s walls, bedding, artwork and light fixtures. The space has a fun pop art sensibility that Barbie would use in her Dreamhouse. And the amazing light fixture even looks like bubblegum bubbles.
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